Training

CPD Online

CPD Online is the e-learning resource for mental health professionals. Members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists can use CPD Online to complete up to half of their annual CPD requirements.

Learn more about CPD Online.

Mental Health Act training

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) took responsibility for all AMP training with effect from 12 September 2017.

Therefore, the Scottish Government's direct responsibility for the provision and commission of AMP training materials ceased from that date.

NES has been working to set up a Training Faculty to deliver the required training and this work is now complete.

The Training Faculty will make sure that training materials are current and able to be adapted quickly to include changes to legislation and practice.

NES will also be responsible for quality assurance of the training provided. The training process and eligibility criteria remain the same.

Eligibility criteria for S22 Approval and how to become Section 22 Certified

To be eligible for S22 approval you must be a registered medical practitioner who is either:

• A member or fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, or
• Have four years of continuous experience in the speciality of psychiatry and are sponsored by your local medical director

To complete your training under the Mental Health Act 2003 follow these instructions:

Step 1 – Part 1 (Self-assessment)

The first step is to register on TURAS Learn. You can then access the AMP Part One online training module via TURAS Learn. The module will take you through materials and then ask you to complete the assessment. You must get 100% on the assessment but you may have as many attempts as needed.

Once you have successfully completed Part one, you can download your certificate from TURAS Learn.

Step 2 – Part 2 (Training Day)

In order to be Section 22 certified you must attend a one-day MHA Training Day. 

The forthcoming training date on Friday 26 June in Edinburgh has been cancelled. 

However, in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, and to maintain the continuity of AMP services across the country, NES have announced plans to develop a virtual Part 2 AMP training option.  Whilst the introduction of this resource is acknowledged as a priority, it will take time to ensure NES has the technical capability to deliver the training and that the materials and facilitation of these sessions, is delivered to the highest quality.  NES will endeavour to develop digital Part 2 training in a timely fashion but at present we do not know exactly when this will be.  Further updates will be provided once available.

For any enquiries about AMP training please email AMPTraining@nes.scot.nhs.uk.

Alternatively, email Susan Richardson for any general enquiries.

Step 3 – Contact your local Medical Manager and register with your local Health Board

Completion of training does not mean you are automatically approved under the Act, as the College is not responsible for approval this is a Health Board responsibility.

You still need to show your two certificates to your local Medical Manager and ensure that they have registered you with the local Health Board.

Once you are registered, your approval is transferable throughout Scotland (i.e. if you register with one Board and then move to a different area your approval moves with you). Please see below for details about Update (previously referred to as refresher) training.

Mental Health Act Training - update training

Update Training for Approved Medical Practitioners

For existing AMP's, it is mandatory to complete Update Training by 31 December 2019 and thereafter every five years.  However a transitional period until 31 December 2020 has been allowed for those who have not been unable to timeously complete update training for the first time.  The policy intention therefore does not change and the direction and its requirement for updated training will come into force on 31 December 2019. 

Please visit the Scotland Deanery AMP section for more information, course dates, etc.

If you have any further questions with regards to any of the above then please email FDA Admin at NES or telephone 01382 496638.

RMO Forum

The Forum has been organised to share information and discuss any particular problems or difficulties on relevant legal and procedural matters in connection with the Tribunal.

Any RMO who wishes to join the forum should contact RCPsych in Scotland office on 0131 220 2910.

To see notes following Forum meetings, please visit the MHTS website.

How to become DMP/Second Opinion Doctor in Scotland for the MWC

For more information, please visit the MHTS website.

MWC Guidance Publication 'Right to Treat'

The MWC has published guidance on situations where adults without capacity actively resist or refuse treatment for physical illness.

It had been found that many health and social care staff were unsure of what to do for people in these situations and that people suffered because they did not get the necessary treatment.

There were also cases where people had treatment imposed on them that may not have been necessary.

It is hoped this guidance will be helpful in deciding on appropriate and humane treatment for people who lack capacity and refuse to be treated.

The guidance will not cover every situation but the general pointers should be helpful. MWC are always willing to give advice on specific situations.

Mental Welfare Commission report into the use of compulsory community treatment in Scotland

Read the Lives less restricted report.

Restricted patient Standing Tribunal process

The new restricted patient Standing Tribunal process came into effect on 8 August 2012.

You can access the Motion for Adjournment Intimation letter and the motion for adjournment form will be available on the MHTCoroTeam website but is attached here for convenience.